Purpose

The University is dedicated to providing a safe workplace environment for all employees, which means the University maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding violence and bullying in the workplace. This policy identifies conduct prohibited by the University and outlines reporting procedures and responsive measures taken by the University upon receipt of a complaint of workplace violence or bullying.

Scope

This policy applies to the University community.

Policy

The University strictly prohibits violence and/or bullying committed by or against employees or members of the University community. Workplace violence includes but is not limited to any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs in the workplace. It can affect and involve employees, students, vendors, contractors, visitors, and other members of the University community. Bullying includes but is not limited to repeated, abusive conduct of one or more individuals that is threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, causes work interference, or is verbally abusive. Employees are prohibited from making threats, direct or implied, bullying or engaging in violent activities. An employee who violates this policy may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Causing physical injury to another person;
• Making threatening remarks, including veiled threats;
• Displaying disruptive, aggressive, or hostile behavior that creates a reasonable fear of injury to another person or subjects another individual to emotional distress ;
• Intentionally damaging employer property or property of another employee;
• Possessing a weapon at University-sponsored events and activities, while on company property or while on company business (unless an authorized public safety officer);
• Committing acts motivated by or related to sexual harassment or domestic violence (see Employee Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy for more information).

Additionally, the University does not tolerate bullying behavior. Examples of bullying include but are not limited to:

• Verbal bullying. Slander, ridicule, persistent name-calling that is hurtful, insulting, or humiliating, and abusive or offensive remarks
• Physical bullying. Pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, tripping, assault or threat of assault, and damage to a person’s work area or property
• Gesture bullying. Nonverbal gestures that can convey threatening messages
• Socially or physically excluding or disregarding a person in work-related activities

Reporting

Employees who are the victims of violence, receive a threat of violence, or observe, read, hear, or otherwise become aware of a threat of violence against a member of the University community, whether direct or implied, shall immediately report the occurrence to Public Safety and Security. The University shall promptly investigate all reports alleging bullying or acts of violence and take reasonable steps to prevent the recurrence of the same or similar conduct. Failure to report known instances of bullying or acts of violence violates this policy and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Confidentiality

All reports made under this policy shall remain confidential to the extent practicable.

Non-Retaliation

The University strictly prohibits retaliation, including retaliation for making a report, participating in an investigation, or otherwise engaging in lawfully protected activity. All members of the University community are encouraged to report suspected bullying, threats, or violence without fear of retaliation. Individuals deemed responsible for retaliatory conduct are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.